Sewing machine



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' Patented Jan. 31, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT `ori-"1ct:

SEWING mcnnm Jaim P. weis and Frederick F. zeier, Nyack, N.l Y.,assignors to Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine Company, New York, N. Y., acorporation of New York Application september 24, 1934, serial No.145,343

so claims. (o1. 11a-20o) one of its main objects the provision of asingle machine which may be made and used equally` well as a sewingmachine of the so-called flat bed or feed across the arm type, or as asewing machine of cylindrical or feed around the arm type for hemmingbloomers, step-ins, trousers, and overall legs., etc., and the provisionof such amachine which may be made and used equally well 16 as a,longitudinal looper or as a transverse'looper type machine, viz.,changeable from needle loop taking and shedding travel in a directiontransversely relative to they line of feed, to a directionlongitudinally thereof, and for either single 20 or multiple linestitching.

Complementary aims of this object are to provide a machine that has freeaccess to the stitchlng instrumentalities for convenient threading,cleaning, and adjusting,whereby free space is `provided for a largevariety of attachments,

readily adapting the machine to a wide variety of stitchingrequirements.

In the accomplishment of this object and the various aims, a machine hasbeen developed with r numerous advantageous features of construction,

among which may be noted:

An improved loweior work supporting arm,

' which is sturdy and easily cleaned, including novel cloth' plates andthroat plates supported thereby, and `which may be removed or changedone without the other; the cloth plates being of various sizes allsupportable on the one lower arm to change the machine fromv a fiat bedtype to a cylindrical or feed around the arm type sew.

ming, the arm having special supports so that it may be located and heldwith the head end projecting from a table to permit feeding'around thearm;and the throat platesbeing provided with an underlying. adaptormaking possible the use of thin throat plates with thick cloth plates,in-

Another feature of this improved lower arm n is that, despite itsinterchangeable characteristics, it may be made as an integral part ofthe i, main frame, and despite its small it be madevery sturdy towithstand the stress and strain of operating multiple needles andloopers for gang stitching at high speed through thick, thin, and needleresistant' materials. Further,

' this novel work supporting arm provides for the free passage of lint,grit, waste materials, and various substances that come from sewing, toprevent an accumulation of such materials interfering with the regularoperation of the machine,

means being provided so that such foreign matter may pass through or outof the way of working parts to avoid clogging.

In order to meet the above object, aims, andv features, it hasbeen-necessary to devise special compact and highly efficientcooperating feeding,

looper operating, needle operating, lubricating, and main drivingmechanisms.

' Thus, the invention has as another of its objects' the provision vofimproved main driving mechanism for synchronously operating cooperating4needle driving, loop forming, lubricat- -to maximum within the limitsand possibilities that the sewing threads or-the materials will endure(e. g., speeds of 5000 R. P. M. in the formation of stitches for theseams of garments and other sewed articlesfin the placing of stitchesfor milling, tucking, shearing, gathering, and similar requirements, andin the formation of ornamental and decorative stitches) and to do thissilently and smoothly at all speeds, with a minimum of vibrationandmaintainance cost.

Other aims in connection with this objective is to provide an improvedoperating mechanism with a minimum of inertia and one capable of quickacceleration, since considerable time may be lost in starting andstopping if the various operating parts are long. or heavy, which mayamountto considerable in a days run of a machine that should be startedand stopped betweenjennd fifteen thousand times in a work- .:-i ng daykof eight hours. Ease of control, or operation and the minimization offatigue to the operator are of vital importance. 4 v f Several novelfeatures have resulted from meeting this object and the complementaryaims. One of these is the provision of a main frame with aholiowirunk-adapted to locate and support substantially all themaindriving mechanlsm, and which is open on three sides to facilitateinitial assembly and adjustment and to make subsequent or field repairsand adjustments easier, but adapted to be closed later for thoroughlubrication of all moving parts therein.

' The main driving mechanism per se is particularly novel for it permitsclose spacing of the feed and looper parts in the under or worksupporting arm which 'is desirable in order to feed small diametercylindrical work therearound, and

=speed and performance of the machine.

because it is located substantially central relative to the needle,feeding, and loop forming mechanisms thereby minimizing inertia toincrease the Another advantageous aspect of the main driving mechanismis that one main crank shaft may be used equally well for driving ofboth transverse and longitudinal type loopers. `By having the main driveshaft paralleling the other main operating rods of the looper and othercooperating mechanism, a minimum of driving interponents is required.The central location of the hand wheel adds to the convenience ofoperation for the operator, affording 'ease of operation, andeliminating the fatigue of reaching too far for positioning the needle,threading, stopping, and other requirements of the hand Wheel. Also, thecentral location of the main drive shaft permits the use ofexceptionally short crank shafts and pitman connections to the variousdriven parts, and thereby reduces inertia, vibration, and noise.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a singlesewing machine capable of making a variety of different forms ofstitches, including ornamental as Well as plain stitching. Some of thecomplementary aims in connection with this object are to provide amachine which mayv be readily converted from single to a gang needlestitching operation with the looper or loopers either in line with oropposed to the line of feed of the work. Also, aims in theaccomplishment of this object are to provide such a mechanism, which,even though it is capable of making a variety and multiplicity ofornamental and plain stitching, will be simple, sturdy, easy to assembleand to adjust, and capable of high speed operation.

The mechanism meeting this object and aims of the present inventionincludes several very advantageous features among which the followingshould be particularly noted. e

By having a single machine convertible for various stitchingrequirements,it is possible to have only one machine inv place ofseveral, thus reducing the initial financial investment, and greatlyreducing the amount of floor and table space required.

A form of interchangeable looper operating mechanism which is sturdy andcompact and which does not require large `clearances or special supportsin the lower arm, thereby making possible a compact and sturdy lower armstructure. Also, the mechanism is such that it is possible to use theone frame and, in some forms attacca also conveniently supports andeiciently operates multiple or gang loopers of either type.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedneedle loop spreader. In accomplishing this object a very emcient loopspreader has been provided which is advantageously supported andoperated close to the top of the throat plate and which is operateddirectly by the looper drive shaft close to the needle and looper sothat close operating relationship may be maintained. i

Itis another object to provide an advantageous needle operatingmechanism which will cooperate with the novel and efficient loopermechanism of the present invention to form improved quality stitching. v

A feature of the needle operating mechanism Yis the driving connectionsbetween the needle operating rod, the needle bar, and particularly themain drive shaft which insure a smooth driving action with very littleinertia, when driven by a main drive shaft located substantially midwayvertically'in the trunk of the frame.

An improved feed, cooperating with the improved needle and looperoperating mechanisms of .the present invention to v form improvedquality stitching, is a further object of the present invention.

Aims in connection with this object are to provide a feeding mechanismcapable of accomtion including a smooth operating mechanism between themain drive shaft and a feed rock rod, a semiclosed section of the mainframe which may be easily opened and accessible supports to facilitatechanging feed dogs, and a. pointer cooperating with agraduatedtransparent indicator plate to quickly, clearly, and accurately indicatethe number of stitches per inch.

The advantageous feature of interchangeabil- Iity of wide and narrowfeed dogs is accomplished through the convenient centrally located handwheel which permits easily and quickly shifting the feed dog carrier tothe most accessible loca-- tion, by easily removed interchangeablethroat plates, and by the double open sided chamber provided when thethroat plate is removed.

A final object of the present invention is to provide an improvedlubricating system for sewing machines and particularly a system whichwill automatically and advantageously lubricate ythe novel feeding,looper, main drive, and other operating mechanisms of the presentinvention. Accomplished aims in connection with this object includehaving the operating mechanisms enclosed to better control lubricationfor all thev operating parts, to avoid exterior oil holes, tomake-possible the reuse of oilfor economy, and to prevent escape thereoffrom the machine to the articles being stitched or onto clothing oi theoperator.

Advantageous features resulting from the accomplishment of this objectinclude the provision of a transparent plate adapted to indicate whetheroil-is being pumped properly, and another transparent plate adapted toindicate the amount of oil in the machine and what should be properlevel of oil, both of said plates forming I combinations thereof to allthe main operating mechanisms contained within .the main frame. Also,novel guiding means are providedfor directing oil toparticularlocations.

Other objects, features, and advantages wi appear hereinafter.

Figure 1 is a front view of the sewing machine of the present inventionwith a section of the trunk end and the underarm broken away to showthemain operating parts.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but gives a complete longitudinalsectional showing of the present invention, of the transverse loopertype.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 in Fig. 2 with thecloth plate and throat plate in place thereon.

Fig. 3a is an end view of a narrow cloth plate which may be interchangedwith the wide cloth plate.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 in Fig. 2, but with a clothand throat plate removed.

Fig. 5 is a sectional end view taken on line 5--5 in Figs. 2, 3, and 4.n

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken vertically through the trunk end ofthel machine on line 6-8 in Figs. 2 and 4.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view of the feed adjusting mechanism taken onlin'e 1-1 in Figs. 3 and 4.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary front view of the feed adjusting mechanism shownin Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on line 9 9 in Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a detail of the transparent scale for indicating the oillevel and stitch length.

F18. l1 is a view of the head end of the machine l with the under arm insection substantially on the line II-ll in Fig.' 1.

Fig. 12 is a `fragmentary view of the underarm, particularly showing theneedle guard mechanism.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view of the needle guard shown inFig. 12, on a different plane and with the throat plate in place.

Fig. 14 is a detail view of the needle looper spreading slide. w

Fig. 14a is a fragmentaryl top viewl of the loop spreader mechanism. l

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary view taken on line lS-IS in Fig. 2,-of thelmainstitch forming instrumentalities, viz., the needle and looper ofthe transverse looper type, looking at the end.

Fig.y 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15, but looking at the front thereof.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary view of the main driving mechanism for thetransverse looper similar to the showing thereof in Fig. 2 but on anenlarged scale.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary view of the part shown lin Fig. 17 as viewedfrom the head end ofthe `machine.

Hg. 20 is a front view of the parts shown i'n` A Fig. 19.

rig. 21 is e iront view of the mein driving mechanism for thelongitudinal type looper, as shown in Fig. 1, but on an enlarged scale.

n wear on the various bearings.

Fig. 22 is an end view of the longitudinal looper main driving partsshown in Fig. 2l.

Fig. 23 is a diagrammatic view of a multiple transverse stitchingset-up.

Fig. 24 is a diagrammatic view of a staggered multiple needle set-up.y

Fig. 25 is a diagrammatic front view of the parts shown in Fig. 24. y

Fig. 26 is a'diagrammatic `view of a multiplel needle and longitudinallooperset-up.

Fig. 27 is a front view oi a multiple needle and single transverselooper.

Fig. 28 is a front view of the upper arm with associated threadtensioning and presser foot lifting devices.

Fig. 29 is a sectional view of the tensioning device taken on line29--29 in Fig. 28.

Fig. 30 is a fragmentary view of the complete tensioning device.

. Fig. 31 is a fragmentary view of the base of the tensioning devicewith the tensioning rolls removed.

Fig. 32 is a front yview similar to Figs. k16 and 20, of the completelyuniversal looper mechanism, in transverse looping position.

Fig. 33 is a front View similar to Fig. 32, but shows the universallooper mechanism in the longitudinal looping position.

Fig. 34 is a front view of the main driving mechanism for the universallooper mechanism.

Fig. 35 is a side view of the driving mechanism shown in Fig.'r 34.

Figs. 36 and 37 are fragmentary details of the universal looper. g

Figs. 38 and 39'are similar to Figs. 32 and 33 but show a modified formof looper carrier.

The detailed description which follows, to facilitate aquickunderstanding of the machine and its operations, is broken down intovarious sections. The present invention isnot limited to the details ofconstruction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings for it is capable of other embodiments and the phraseologyemployed is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Frame and general structure Referring now in detail to the drawingsparticularly to the general structure illustrated in Figs. 1 through 14,and particularly the transverse looper type shown in Figs. 2 through 9.the present invention provides a frame 40 having many novel features,comprising a hollow trunk 4| for supporting a main driving mechanism 42,with a. preferably hollow and integral upper arm 43 for supporting aneedle operating mechanism 44 and a preferably integral lower arm 45 forsupporting looper and feeding mechanisms 46 and 41 respectively and forforming a work support 48. In general it has a smooth outer finish forappearance, ease in cleaning, and elimination of all outwardobstructions which'would interfere with handling of the work.

The frame 41|l is near its center provided with a single foot 4l and thetrunk end of the machine is provided with integral cooperating feet 49aand 49h to form a three point support. These three minimize vibrationand to prevent distortion of the frame and consequent binding andadverse The feet may be provided with tapped holes 5l to receive thethreaded end of bolts passed upwardly through a table or other support,or may be provided with venience in assembling thernachine to a bench, l

a hole or slot 56' to receive lag screws or bolts when the latter arepassed to the support from the top.

The hollowed trunk 4| comprises a front wall 5|, rear Wall 52 and sidewalls 53 and 54, the latter having large side openings and 56respectively to accommodate and support the main driving mechanism 42.Further, the trunk is provided with a top opening 51 and a bottom'opening 58 large enough to pass various operating parts and to receivethe hands ofl a person making the original assembly or subsequentrepairs and adjustments. A cover plate 59 and a bottom plate 60 areprovided for the top and bottom openings 51 and 58 respectively, and areheld in place with screws 59 and 60 in the usual manner. End caps 6| and62 are similarly held against the side walls 53 and 54 respectively byscrews 6|- and 62' to make a complete oil tight closure for the mainoperating parts. These openings and caps permit bench assembly of allthe oper-ating parts contained in the trunk of a machine and facilitateassembly thereof by making it possible to pass the main drivingmechanism 42 or large sub-units thereof through the various openings.cured thereto an effective seal is provided which prevents leakage ofoil while the machine is in operation.

In addition, thereto, the chamber 4I forms a reservoir for oil 63 asindicated in Figs. 2 and 6, and the chambered trunk 4| forms a supportfor an oil pump 404 and has transparent plates 65 and 66 to indicateboth flow and quantity of oil 63, with the latter plate indicatingoperating characteristics ofthe feed mechanism 41 associated with themain drive mechanism 42 in the hollow` trunk, all as described in detailhereinafter. The trunk is of suitable design for rigidity, of sufficientsize to hold-a supply of lubricant to last for a long period of time,and has sumcient space for air to dissipate heat of the oil and therebyprevent objectional oil vapors. The bottom cover plate 69 is providedwith a valve 61 todrain oil 63 from the reservoir when the level is toohigh, when it is desired to change the oil, or for other like reasons.

The upper arm 43 is preferably made with a substantially hollow chamber43 of substantially rectangular and tapering cross section, and with atransverse web 68 at the trunk end., and a similar transverse web 69 ata head 19|, at the vthe parts therein. `'I'his opening is normallyclosed with a cover plate 11, held in place by screwsL11, to cover upthe'working mechanism and to prevent adverse escape of oil.

The lower arm 45 is preferably vmade integral `with the frame 49, with afront wall 18 and a rear wall 19 extending. horizontally from the trunkin a direction parallel to and underlying the upper arm 43. In order tomake these walls rigid or sturdy at the outer extremities, and in orderto provide suitable bearings 'for important operating parts, an end wall88 is provided at their outer extremities and a shorter transverse web8| is provided intermediate the end" wall 88 and thev sides of the walls18, 19, and 63.

The lower arm is providedvwith openings 82 and 83betweenthe walls 18 and19 for con- When the caps are se- Y but primarily in order to facilitatecleaninglint, waste cloth materials, dirt, etc., by allowing them topass on through so as not to interfere with working parts. The lower arm45 provides a sturdy non-vibrating support for both the feed mechanism41 and thelooper mechanism 46, de-

tailed description of which is given hereinafter, but in addition formsa novel work support 48 for advantageously and interchangeablysupporting variously shaped throat plates 84, cloth plates 85, and otherinstrumentalities so that the machine may in eifect be changed from aflat bed type to a cylindrical type sewing machine and to facilitatemaking changes in the iinal stitch forming instrumentalities in order toform divers `type stitches, as will now be described in detail.

l Work support- According to the present invention the lowerA arm 45 andmechanism associated therewith are devised to provide a work support ofshort height and width, and to provide a sturdy and quicklyinterchangeable support for the throat plate 84.

'Supporting lugs 18a, 18h, and 18C, best seen in Fig. 4, are provided onthe front wall 18 and associated rear lugs 19a, 19h, and 19C areprovided on the rear wall 19 to form a support for the long and largearea cloth plate 85, which may be secured thereto by screws 86 enteringtapped holes 86.

Preferably this plateis made of substantial width transversely of thelower arm as shown by solid lines in Fig 3 to form a so called flat bedtype machine. However, these lugs may support a narrow and small areacloth plate 85 shown inA Fig. 3a.. The underlying sections of the narrowplate 85 are the same as in the wide plate 85. As indicated by dot anddash lines in Fig. 3, when the narrow plate 85 is positioned on the lugsthere is formed a cylindrical type machine in which the work may be fedcompletely around the lower arm 45 when the frame 49 is secured to atable with the portion thereof beyond the foot 49 extending beyond theedge of the table. 'I'his is a very re'al advantage in many industriesfor it makes possible an immediate change over in the same machine froma flat bed to a cylindrical type sewing machine and results inconsiderable savings in equipment and floor space requirements. Thus,too, it will be apparent that the change over just described makes itpossible to reduce the size of the lower arm almost in half.

The cloth plates 85 and 95 are normally made of thick material forstrength and rigidity and are provided with a cut-out 84', through itsthickness, adapted to merely locate and notvto support an adaptor 81 andthe throat plate 84.

As may best be s een in Figs. l through 4, and Figs. 11 and 13, the lugs18a., 18h, 19a, and 19h are adapted to directly support the adaptor 81and the throat plate 84, the latter being secured to the adaptor byscrews 88 threaded into holes 88'. Interchangeable throat plates may beprovided-with various cut-outs to accommodate vari- *bus stitchingcombinations, and also different Figs. 2,'5, and 11, and a chamber 9|for a needle looper spreader |96 close to the point of stitch formationin the material, such closeness being very desirable.

It also forms a rigid support for the throat Y plate to preventdeflection under heavy pressure from the needle when operating on heavymaterials, and prevents deflection under heavy pressure of the presserfoot. In addition, this arrangement of parts is such that the changeover from the wide cloth plate 85 to the narrow cloth plate 85', and ineffect the change from a flat bed to a cylindrical machine, may beeffectedwithout disturbing the throat plate which is desirable whenthere is a critical adjustment between the throat plate, feed dog, andthe needle guide.'

Also, itis possible to remove or change the throat plate 84, Withoutdisturbing the cloth plate, when it. is desired to make repairs,changes, or adjustments to the feed dog or looper forminginstrumentalities located in the lower arm 45.

In addition this novel shaped work suport 48 Aprovided by the presentinvention furnishes an illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13 particularly, and

comprise a gate 96 pivotally mounted on a stud 91 threaded into a hole91 in 'the end Wall 80 so that it may be moved to an inoperativeposition shown by dot and dash lines 96', but which 'is normallysupported in the operative position f shown by full lines in Figa 12with the outer or free end thereof riding or resting upon a long stud98, and stopped in the operative position l by engaging an end of anadjustable stud 99 threaded into the lug 19h and locked inv adjustedposition by a nut 98.

Normally the gate 96 is urged out to an inoperative position by a springso that the gate will not be half open or slightly open which wouldbreak loopers and needles;l By urging it to the open position, operatorcan more easily thread loopers. The gate is locked in the operativeposition by a spring latch |0| engaging the rear end thereof. Preferablythis latch is provided with a bevel |02 so that it need not be pushedback manually when the gate is moved from the inoperative to theoperative position. The position of the needle at the lower end of itsstroke relative to theguard 94' is clearly shown in Figs. 12 and 13.Multiple needles would, of course, be similarly located in 4any desiredspaced relation lengthwise -of the gate. The gate itself may be made ofone piece construction' and hardened to preventwear from the needle;however, it is preferably provided with a hardened angular or like plate|08 held onto the'top of the gate by two screws |04 passed throughsuitable elongated apertures |05V and threaded into the gate proper sothat minor adjustments and movement to compensate for wear can be madewith comparative ease and so that replacements of the worn' ,needleengaging surfaces may be emily and .cheaply made. I'he guard 94.01' theplate |03 thereon may be provided with vholes 94a or -notches 94h toguide needles.

In order to move the'needle guard gate 86 to the inoperative position,it is merely necessary to push against the nger I 0 I Fig. 14a until theend of the gate is clear. The front wall 18 is provided with a cut out18' which enables an operator to reach in with his fingers to manipulatethe gate. However, fine adjustments of the guard 94 relative to theneedle 95, or adjustment of multiple needles relative to the guard maybe accomplished best by removal of the throat plate 84 and adaptor plate81.

This throat plate 84 and adaptor 81 also provide a novel support for aneedle loop spreader |06 comprising a channel |01 in the under side ofthe cloth plate adapted to receive a slide |06' having a hook |08adapted to catch the needle thread. It is reciprocated in this channelby the looper mechanism through a connection |09. The throat plate andadaptor form a very satisy factory working support for the loop spreaderfscription and a proper understanding of the novel looper mechanisms 46and main driving mechanism 42, which have in part at least beendeveloped to make possible the interchangeable flat bed and cylindricalmachine of the present invention, and which form the main subject matterand claims of the present patent application.

Driving mechanism A particularly novel part of the present invention isthe main driving mechanism 42, the novel mounting therefor, andespecially the arrangement thereof substantially midway between theneedle operating mechanism 44 in the upper arm 43 and the feed andlooper mechanisms 41 and 46 respectively in the lower arm with the axisthereof substantially paralleling said needle, looper,

and feed mechanisms.

This main drive mechanism may best be described in connection with thetransverse looper, illustrated in Figs. 2 through 10 and 15 through 18.It comprises a main drive shaft ||0 with cranks A, B, C, D, and E,preferably formed in the shape of a ball, accommodating main drivingconnections 42 including crank arms ||2, H3, ||4, and 209 respectively,provided with ball socket connections ||6, ||1, ||8, H9, and |20respectively, (see Fig. 17) each including an arm cap |2| adapted to bethreaded onto screw threads |22 onvthe individual crank arms and lockedin the desired position thereon by nuts |23 and each provided with a topcap |24 secured to the arm caps by screws |25, in order to allow thecrank arms to rotate relative to the balls and to permit slight verticaldisplacement for operating travel to compensate for slightirregularities in the location of those parts which connect with and areoperated by the other end of the crank arms. Integral plates |26reinforce the main drive shaft and, between the individual balls, mayhelp to prevent the ball sockets from turning'sidewise-into the path ofeach other.-

The crank arms'lil. through ||4 and 209 are preferably provided with aball and socket and like connections |21, |28, |29, |30, and |3|respectively for connection to an armr 82, bell crank |83, arms |84 and|85, and link 201'atthe ends opposite the main drive shaft il@ foroperating the needle and other mechanisms all in a mannerabout to bedescribed.`

Except for a modified form of bell crank |53', shorter crank arm. M3'and associated arm 134', see Figs. 1, ll, 21 and 22, the drivingmechanism so far described applies for the longitudinal looper form ofthe invention shown in Figs. 1 and l1 particularly.

Before entering into a description of the various mechanisms operated bythe crank arms, it should be noted that the main drive shaft i ltogether with the main driving connections 42' including the crank armsand associated ball and socket connections, bell cranks, and arms justdescribed may be assembled extraneously of the frame and may 'then bepassed through the side wall opening into the chamber of the hollowtrunk 4| for assembly. These assembled parts, just described in detail,are tilted slightly and the crank arms are moved into the chamberwhereupon the main shaft may again be moved into a horizontal planesubstantially central of 'the side wall openings 55 and 56. An insideball bearing E31 is moved through the side wall opening 55 while theinner end l lila of the drive shaft ||0 is moved therein in the sidewall openings and the outer end b of the shaft is, through a ballbearing |38 and the end cap 62, secured to the side wall 54. The bearing|38 is secured to the end cap by a shoulder and ange connection |30. Theother end cap 6| is securedin plane A main drive pulley |40 is securedto the end ||0b of the shaft ||0 by a set screw |4| and a handwheel |42may be made integral therewith or may, as shown, be secured to ashoulder |43 lofthe pulley with one or more screws |44. A thin Washerbetween the bearing |38 and pulley |40 prevents excessive escape of oilthrough the ball bearing, and a drain |45 in the end cap 62 furthercollects and directs oil seepage from the bearing back into the chamber4 By securing the inner race of the ball bearing |38 to the cap 62`between a flange I |0c and the pulley |40, and by securing the outerrace thereof to the end cap 62 as just described, the main crank is heldsubstantially against endwise movement in the frame. This end-wisemovement may be further controlled by properly locating and holding theother ball bearing |31 in any conventional manner in the -side wall'opening 55 in relation to a ange |46 -on the' main drive shaft ||0. Aretainer ring |48 in the bearing |31 and the end cap 6| preventsexcessive leakage at this point.

This centrally located main drive shaft ||0 brings the handwheel v|42into a location where it may be very conveniently grasped without dangerof Skinning knuckles as occurs sometimes when the handwheel is close tothe base of the machine, and awkward twisting of the arm is requiredwhen the hand wheel is on the front of the machine. Further, and ofparticular importance, it makes possible the use of short crank arms tothe various mechanisms, thereby overcoming vibration and inertia ofmoving parts to a very marked extent. This latter factor is enhanced byhaving the main drive shaft parallel the rocking and reciprocating rodsof the various associated mechanisms. will be more apparent after theindividual mechanisms are described.

, However, it should be particularly noted that the centrally disposedmaindrive shaft ||0 is advantageously provided with av connection |49All of these advantages grasses on the end lilla indicated in Fig. 2,preferably in the form of a main shaft extension 49', including athreaded vstud l 50, projecting through a suitable aperture in the endcap 6|. This connection thus provides a very convenient driver forpinking, and other devices secured to the cloth plate 55, for example,in tapped holes or secured to the side wall 53, or bottom wall of theupper arm i5 for advantageous cooperation with the feed, looper, aandneedle operating mechanisms. This connection 'and auxiliary drive isdescribed in much greater detail and separately claimed in a divisionalapplication Serial No. 2806, led January 2l, 1935, and is referred toherein only to more clearly bring out the operating requirements andadvantages of the main driving mechanism.

The main driving mechanism just described is, in its essential details,equally applicable for the operation of what is known in the art as aline of feed or (longitudinal) looper, and for what is known astransverse looper type mechanisms, with only slight changes oradjustments required in the parts as described in detail hereinafter.However, the needle operating mechanism 44 driven by the main driveshaft ||0 through the crank A and crank arm ll i is the same for bothtypes and Will therefore be described in detail before describing thelongitudinal and transverse looper mechanisms.

Needle driving mechanism The needle driving mechanism 44 comprises therocker rod 1| journaled in bearings |52 and |53 in the walls 68 and 10respectively with an arm |32 secured to the trunk end thereof by a yoke|54 and screw |55 and having a bearing stud |56 at its outer endconnecting with the ball socket |21 at the upper end of the crank arm Atthe head 69 on the end vof the arm 43 the rocker rod 1| isvprovidedwith` a needle driving arm |51 adjustably secured thereto by two screws|58 for adjusting the height of the needle 95 relative tothe looper.This'arm is connected to a hollow needle bar 14 through a-double link|59 having a link pin connection |60 to the arm |51 and having. asimilar link pin connection |6| to the stud |62 having a thread and locknut connection |63 to the upper end of the needle bar 14 (see Fig. 5).At its lower end the needle bary is provided with a chuck |64 adapted tointerchangeably receive various types of needles 05 in the conventionalmanner.

As may be seen best in Figs. 1, 3, 5, and l1, the stud |62 is providedwith'a linger |65 extending through an opening |66 at the front of thehead, and exteriorly of the latter is provided with a thread carryingeyelet |61 secured thereto by a screw |68. 'Ihis finger is in the formof a slide,

adapted to ride between plates |69 secured to the head 69 in spacedrelation by screws' |10. 'I'his ylatter structure insures a sturdydriving -action between the arm |51 and the needle bar 14 and alsoinsures an eicient drive for the thread carrying eyelet |61 which formsaslack for the formation of succeeding stitches. One verticalreciprocation of the needle downward and upward by the crank arm isaccomplished each time the crank A on the main drive shaft is given acomplete revolution.

` The vfeeding mechanism.

type stitching, is the same. It comprises ja feed rock rod 1| and a feedlift rod |12 mounted in suitable bearings in the lower arm 45 and trunk'This mechanism is best seen in Figs. 4 through 11. It comprises a feeddog |13 secured to a feed dog carrier |14 as by screws |15, and thiscarrier in' turn isv connected to an arm |16 adjustably clamped to therock shaft |1| by the split clamp construction |11 through a spring |18under screws |19 and at its other end has a at spring I 80 and coilspring |0| connection to an arm |82 having a yoke 4|03 connection to thefeed lift rock shaft |12. The feed dog |13 passes through suitableapertures |84 in the throat plate 84 in the usual manner and is given afour- J cally in a channel 2|3, formed by a notch 2|3' motion movementthrough timed rocking of the feed rock rod |1| and feed lift rod |12-,Any suitable feed dog, depending upon the material and stitchrequirements, may be secured to the carrier between screws |15 in thewell known manner.

Cooperating with the feed dog |13 is a presser foot |85 carried by thepresser bar 15, which is tubular and operates in a bushing 15' in thehead |81 carried by the lug |88 and may be adjusted for regulating thepressure of the spring. Tovprevent the rear end of the spring fromshifting, it is provided at its end with a pin |89 where it rests on theinner surface of the casting of thev arm 43. Clamped to the presserbar15 is a collar |90 having an extending finger |9| operating between thetwo guide plates |92 similarly to the plates |69. rlhis finger coactswith ythe usual hand lifting 4lever |93, best seen in Fig. 5.`Projecting upward from the adjustable collar I 90 is an overhanging hookshaped member |94, best shown'in Figs. 2 and 5. This hook shaped membercoacts withv theend of a lifting lever |95, secured to a shaft |96, tothe outer end of which is secured a lever |91, see Figs. 5 and 28,connected with a chain I 98 which reaches down to the usual foo'tlifting pedal, knee shift, `or any suitable means for lifting thepresser foot from underneath the table, independentof the use of a handlifting lever |93. Connected to this lever in a suitable way, isa lever|99 clamped to a rock shaft 200. This rock shaft is provided withtension release means 20| shown-in Figs. 29, 30, and

v31, and will be described. v

A main connection 202, see Figs. 3 and 4, be-

'tweenthe crank D and arm |35 secured to`the feed lift rod |12 by a yoke|35 and screw 203, and having a ball and socket connection 204 to thelower end of the crank arm ||4. Thus each time' the crank D is givenonev complete turn the lower end of the arm |82, see Fig. 5, isoscillated a pre- 'determined extent and the spring |80 at the endthereof lifts the feed dog |13 from a position below the throat plate 84to'a position level with the top thereof or slightly above it to gripthe materials between it and the presser foot |85.

Operation and adjustment of the feed rocker rod |1|, which controls theextent of feed, is accomplished inan advantageous manner with a. noveladjusting mechanism 205 provided by the present invention. Thismechanism is best illustrated in Fig. 'I through 10 and comprises an arm206 secured to the trunk end of the operating rod |1| and having a link201 connection through viewed therein inorder to move the rocker rod abearing block 2|0 having a pivot pin connection 2|| with a slidingfinger 2|2 so that as the top end of the crank arm 209 is driven by thecrank E in a direction to the left of the vertical centerline of thedrive shaft H0, the upper end of the crank arm 209 is moved to the leftabove the pivot pin 2| and the lower end thereof moves to the right ofthe centerline and simultaneously pulls the link 201 and arm 206 totheright as |1| in a clockwise direction, and vice versa when themain driveshaft I0 moves the top end of the crank arm 206 to the right of thevertical center line.

The bearing or pivot block 2 0 is movable vertiand cover plate 2 I4, thelatter being held in place by suitable bolts 2|5, and is movedvertically in the channel by the sliding finger 2|2 into any desiredstation. A sleeve 2|6, secured in lugs 2|1 and 2 |8 integral with theside wall 54 of the trunk 4|, is provided with a hollow chamber 2|9 toaccommodate a feed or adjusting screw 220 sup-k ported in bearingsleeves 22| and 222 at the lower end with a special bearing sleeve 223located in an upper lug 224 with a setscrew 225. `A pair of thrustcollars 226, secured to the adjusting screw 220- with set screws A221 atopposite ends of the upper bearing 223 permits rotation of the screw andat the same time prevents axial movement 1 thereof.

The upper end of the adjusting screw is provided with a slabbed head 228adapted to accommodate a key 229, the latter being removable by theproprietor so that the stitches per inchcannot be varied by theoperator` in order to make a coarser stitch and quicker output toincrease his Near the lower adapted to VclearV a feed nut 23| secured tothe sliding finger 2|2 as by pins 232 and adapted to mesh lwith theadjusting,'screw 220 in order to move the nger 2|2 and pivot block 2|0downwardly when rotated in one direction and to move these partsupwardly when rotated in the other direction. When the screw and feednut are adjusted to locate and support the block in the upper positionin the chamber 4|' the lower end of the crank arm 208 is given aconsiderable oscil. lating movement, thereby imparting a large extent ofrocking movement to the associated rocker rod |1| and considerablefeeding movement to the feed dog |13 to form 8 or` 10 stitches per inch.

However, when the parts are adjusted so that the block is in theloweredposition relative to the chamber, the lower end of the crank armis given the relatively smaller oscillating movement so that aproportionally smaller rocking movement" is given to the rocker rod andthe associated feed dog to form fine stitch spacing, for example 18 or20 stitches per inch.

Thus, the present invention provides a smooth, efficient and adjustablefeeding mechanism for imparting a four motion movement in general in 1 adirection transversely of the lower arm 45 and work support from a maindrive shaft lll which is located midway in the trunk and parallel withmain operating rods.

A novel gauge 233 is provided to clearly indicate to the operator at alltimes the extent of feed and the exact number of stitches per inchformed by the various adjustments. This gauge comprises a pointer 234 inthe form of an L shaped strip attached to the feed nut'23l portion ofthe sliding nnger 212 by a screw 235 with a pointer 236 thereof adjacenta transparent plate, as may y'best be seen in Figs. '1 and 10, in theiront wall 5| of the trunk fil. When it is desired to form ten stitchesper inch, the key 229 is turned until the pointer aligns with thenumeral and line ten of a scale 56 on the transparent plate, and when itis desired to form twenty stitches per inch, the adjusting screw isturned through by the key until the pointer is aligned with the numeraland line twenty on the scale 56. Thus, guess Work is entirely eliminatedand a positive indication is given to the operator and proprietorrelative to the setting of the stitch for various types of work.

Details of the feeding mechanism. and gauge just described form. thesubject matter of a divisional application Serial No. 747,871 lledOctober 11, 1934.l

Transverse type looper In Figs. 2 through 6 and 15 through 18particularly, the transverse looper type mechanism is illustrated. Thisis a particularly novel feature of the present improved sewing machine,resulting in a smooth control and operation of the looper in which theparts may be easily and quickly adjusted and advantageously placed forinterchangeability and repair. As shown in Figs. 2, and 16 particularly,the looper mechanism 46 includes a looper carrier 231 having a pivotconnection 238 on a stud 239 projecting from a collar 240 and held tothe latter with a nut 24| and washer 242. The washer sets against theend of a bearing sleeve 243 in order to prevent the carrier from slidingoir-.the stud and at the Sametime permitting it to be moved pivotallythereon.

The looper carrier 231 is provided with a hole 244 adapted to receive alooper 89v having a thread carrying and needlel hook engaging blade 89held therein by a screw 245. Various types and shapes of loopers,depending upon the stitch formation desired, may be supported in .theone carrier 231 in thismanner.

The collar 240 is rotatable on an upper rod 246, the latter beingsupported for reoiprocatory movement in bearings 241 and 248 in thetrunk 4| and bearings 249 and 250 in the lower arm 45, and is axiallymovable on the rod, too, but is held againstaxial movement by thrustcollars and 252 after the looper 89 is properly located with respect tothe needle 95. Spacing between the collars 25| and 252 is just enough toprevent adverse axial movement of the collar 240 on the rocker rod 246,yet sufficient to permit a free rotary and rocking type of movement onthe rod.

In order to move the looper 89 relative to the needle 95, viz., to theright of the needle as viewed in Fig. 15 and thence as it moves fromVthe retracted position shown in Fig. 16 to the advanced position shownby dot-and-dash lines F in the same gure, thence to the left or rear ofthe needle as shown by dot-and-dash lines G in Fig.

15 as it moves from the advanced position to the retracted positionagain, all in an elliptical path in the usual and well known manner 'toform a Federal Standard Stitch Style 401, the lower end of the loopercarrier is provided with a connection 253 to the lower rocker rod 254.This con- Anection comprises a ball 255 having a sliding con- Atraveltoward the needle.

aiaaeaa vided with an integral or an attached pivot stud 263 passingthrough a suitable bearing 253' in.

the lower end of the looper carrier 231, the latter being held thereonby a washer 251i and nut 265.

In order to move both the upper and lower rods 265 and 25d respectivelyand thereby impart four motion or elliptical travel to the looper 89,asis best shown in Figs. 2 and 15 through 18, the present inventionprovides driving connectibns 255 and 261, see Figs. 17 and `18. Theconnection 266 for the upper rod 2de including the crank arm l l2 havinga ball and socket connection H1 with the crank B on the main drive shaftand with a ball and socket connection l2@ to a bell crank it@ pivotallymounted on a cross shaft 266 between a lug 26@ and a thrust collar 21@as shown in Fig. 4, the bell crank i313 having a connection 211i withthe upper rod 256 through a ball 212 and socket 213 as illustrated mostclearly in Figs. 17 and 18, the ball 212 being slidable on a stud 216isecured to the upper rod 216 with a nut 215 land the socket 213 being ofa two piece cap typewith holding screws 216, all being similar to theconnection 253 at the lower end of the looper carrier 231 shown in Figs.15 and 16.

The main connection 261 for the lower rocker rod 25d includes the crankarm |13 having the ball and socket connection H8 with the crank C on themain drive shaft ||0 and having a ball and socket connection |29 tothefront end of the arm |34 having an integral yoke 218 and screw 219 forsecuring it to the lower rocker rod.

Reciprocation of the upper rod 246 moves the looper 89from the solidline to the dot-and-dash line position and vice versa, shown in Fig. 16,and

rocking movement of the lower rod 254 moves 95, and its travel withrespect thereto may be adjusted critically .with comparative ease.

ance 'is obtained between the needle and the looper when it is in theretracted position shown in Fig. 16 by sliding the carrier collar 240'and the thrust collars 25| and 252 into the desired station ontherreciprocating rod 246. Also the speed at which the looper approachesand leaves the needlemay be adjusted by shortening or lengthening ascrew |22 and lock nut |23 connection to a sleeve |2| portion of thesocket |24. Thus, as the arm 289 of the bell crank |33 is high at thetime] the crank arm ||2 begins `to move the bell crank in a clockwisedirection, fast travel will be imparted to the looper in its initialSimilarly, if connectionv 266 is long so that the arm 280 is on asubstantially horizontal plane when the crank is first moved in itsclockwise circle, the looper will needle.

Similar adjustments are provided for the lower rocker rod 254 in orderto properly-adjust and cove the needle avoiding movement ofthe looper.The crank arm ||3 is provided with s'crew |22 and lock nut |23connections to threaded sleeves |2| in order to have the arm |34 on ahigher than horizontal plane in order to impart a fast initial movementof the looper toward he rear otthe needle, or is moved into asubsantially horizontal plane in order to have a comparatively Thelooper maybe moved so that any desired clearbe given a slow initial movementtoward the slow initial movement. Ordinarily however, the adjustment issuch that the arm |34 is moved a substantially equal extent both belowand above the horizontal plane in order to have the looper travel in asubstantially even timed elliptical path.

,The lower rocker rod 254 is held in desired position'lengthwise of .thebed by collars 28| and 282 engaging bearings 283 and 284. 'I'he upperrod 246, however, is not held vagainst endwise movement since it must bereciprocated in the bearings 241-'250 in order to impart rocker movementto the looper carrier 231. Since there is only a comparatively shortcrank arm connection between the cranks B and C and the upper rod 246and lower rod 254, very little inertia is developed so that the partsmay be operated at a very high speed. This operating advantage is alsoenhanced' by having the main drive shaft parallel the upper rod andlower rocking rod since a comparatively straight connection 266 isprovided between the crank B on the main drive shaft I Il) and the bellcrank connection |28 tothe upper rod 246,' and a similar comparativelystraight main connection 281 is provided between.

The novel looper mechanism provided by the present invention is alsoespecially advantageous for multiple stitching eiects. Two suchpossibilities are illustrated in Figs. 28 through 25 and 27. In Fig. 23the needle bar 14 is shownwith a needle chuck |64avsupporting .twoneedles 95 in.spaced relation, held in place by screws 285 andpreferably on a longitudinalplane relative to the cloth plate 85, whilethe upper rod is provided with either a pair of collars 240 or a singledouble collar 248' as illustrated, with two -pivot studs 238 supportingtwo carriers 231 between the thrust collars 25| and 252 on the upper rod246 while the lower ends of the looper carriers are, through a pair ofconnections 253, brought into operative association with the lowerrocker rod 254.

Adjustment and `operation of this multiple stitching set-up is the sameas with the single needle and single lopper type of set-up hereinbe-vlength between the spacing collars 25| and 252 so tha two or three maybe placed on the rod 2.46 between the walls88 and 8| and so that theyare shiftable axially thereof and held in any desired axial stationthereon by the thrustcollars. Also, the walls 80 and 8| may be spacedwider apart when the frame 40 is initially cast so that more loopers orwider spacing thereof may be accompllshed. Thus it is not necessary tovremove orpartially remove the upper rod 246 or the lower rod when it isdesired to change from a single to a multiple needle set-up or viceversa. In Figs. 24 and 25 there is illustrated astaggered type ofmultiple needle and stitching set-up including a chuck |64b secured tothe en'd of the needle bar 14, and holding two needles 95 therein withscrews 285. A .suitable Amating presser foot |85 and throat plate 84 areprovided to properly clear the same. A modiiled form of looper carrier231" with two staggered holes 244 is provided to support two loopers 89in proper spaced relation to the staggered needles. This modied form ofcarrier may replace a regular single looper carrier 231 shown in Figs.l5and 16 by merely removing the nuts 24| and 263 and washers 242 and 263respectively, removing thecarrier 231 and replac Fig. 2'7 illustrates adouble lneedle and single looper type set-up for forming two simple andornamental lines of stitching on materials during a single passagethereof on the sewing machine. For the purpose of illustration, a chuck|64c with multiple needles 95 of one spacing is shown, al-

. though other narrower or Wider spacing may be provided and thestandard single looper carrier 231 and looper 89 is shown cooperatingtherewith. Any number of commercially desirable combinations of looperand needle arrangements maybe obtainedwith this type of mechanism; e. g.three, four, or even six needles and loopers.

Longitudinal type looper Figs. 1, 11, and 19 through 22 clearlyillustrate the advantageous mechanism 14a provided by the presentinvention for forming a line of stitching 4with a so-calledlooper-in-line type of feed or longitudinal type looper.

At this point it should be noted that the same rod 246 which isreciprocated to impart a rocking movement to the transverse loopercarrier 231 is given both a reciprocating and rocking movelongitudinallooper type machine, the upper rod i '246 is provided with the loopercarrier 281 connected to the rod by a yoke 290 and screw 29|, and thelooper 89' is held in a socketl 288 by a screw 289. The looper carrier281 is mounted lengthwise on the rod 246 so that it will travel from theposition shown in full lines to the dot-and-dash position H in Fig. 20relative to the needle 95 as the rod 246 is reciprocated a limitedextent and is located accurately, on the rod so that it is substantiallyin the inoperative position shown in Fig.

19' when the rod 246 is moved the full extent in counter-clockwisedirection as viewed in the same iigure, and so that it moves theoperative position shown by dot-and-dash lines I when the rod is rockedthe full' extent in a clockwise direction.

Reciprocatory and rocking movement is imparted to the one upper rod 246by the cranks B-and C"'on the main drive shaft ||8 which are *used toimpart reciprocatory and rocking movements to the upper and lower rods246 and 254 respectively of the transverse looper type mechanism alreadydescribed. Thus the same upper rod 246, the same driving cranks B and C,and the same main drive shaft ||0 are used for both the transverse andlongitudinal type mechanism. The same c rank arm ||2 may be used toimpart reciprocatory movement to the upper rod 246 but in the presentinstance a modied form of

